Los Gatos, California — BurgerBots, powered by ABB Robotics, has opened a new fast-food restaurant featuring an automated kitchen designed to deliver freshly made, perfectly cooked burgers with precision and speed. The innovative setup uses ABB’s IRB 360 FlexPicker and YuMi collaborative robots to assemble meals efficiently, while also monitoring inventory levels. This allows restaurant staff to focus more on customer service.
Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics Division, emphasized the potential of automation in food service. “Integrating ABB robots with the BurgerBots concept shows how automation can extend beyond factories,” he said. “The food industry is fast-paced and demanding. Our robots provide consistent quality, efficiency, and reliability. According to industry surveys, 89% of managers and 73% of workers are open to using robotics to automate tasks. Robots taking over repetitive jobs frees staff to create better dining experiences.”
The robotic system works by starting each order with a freshly cooked burger patty placed on a bun inside a special burger box. This box moves along a conveyor shuttle marked with a QR code. The IRB 360 FlexPicker then quickly and hygienically adds toppings based on the data in the QR code. Afterward, the YuMi robot collaborates on final burger assembly. The entire process takes just 27 seconds per burger.
ABB’s control system also connects with non-robotic kitchen systems to track ingredients like onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and condiments in real time. This integration supports smooth kitchen management and accurate stock control.
Entrepreneur Elizabeth Truong, who founded BurgerBots, sees the Los Gatos restaurant as the start of a wider rollout. “Our goal is to bring consistency, transparency, and efficiency to food service,” she said. “For restaurant owners, this means better cost visibility, accurate forecasting, and improved decisions. In the next five years, I expect most restaurants to use robotic automation in some capacity — whether for preparation, assembly, or service. It will become a necessity, not just a novelty.”
BurgerBots joins a growing wave of robotic innovation in the food industry. ABB also collaborates with RoboEatz on ARK, an autonomous kitchen that can prepare hundreds of meals with little human input. Additionally, ABB powers Makr Shakr’s robotic bartenders, which are set to mix drinks worldwide. These developments show how robotics is reshaping hospitality with speed, consistency, and hygiene.
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